New virtual mentoring helps second-year teachers get support

New virtual mentoring helps second-year teachers get support

Second-year teachers who need additional support can now talk with their mentors and other teachers virtually. New this year, the district is offering collaboration between teachers and mentors using Zoom video conferencing software.

“It’s a 21st century approach to our 21st century educators,” said Tammy Martin, Curriculum and Instructional Support Executive Coordinator.

New Kansas state teaching certification requirements include teachers having two years of mentoring in order to obtain their professional license. The virtual mentoring allows second-year teachers to talk with their mentors and other teachers to get support and ideas without having to leave their classroom.

“Virtual mentoring is nice for busy teachers. They like that we are available to them in this way,” said Tonya Howard, social studies teacher at Southeast who is also a mentor.

“Giving our teachers the support they need is crucial to retaining high-quality teachers,” Howard added.

Martin said that since the mentor is meeting with multiple teachers at the same time, they are also building a community with other educators that they can turn to when they need support or to share ideas.

Martin also set up a Google Classroom account with resources for teachers to access any time they need it.

WPS currently has 12 experienced teachers who are also virtual mentors who meet with second-year teachers every other week.